USFK Commander Criticized Over Remarks on South Korea’s Territorial Sovereignty

South Korean officials objected after USFK Commander Gen. Xavier Brunson said South Korea begins at the southern fence of the Demilitarized Zone, rather than at the Military Demarcation Line. Lawmakers argued that South Korean territory extends north of that fence to the demarcation line, and called for Brunson to retract his remarks and apologize. Seoul conveyed its concerns to Washington. The United Nations Command said its military and administrative duties under the armistice do not alter or determine South Korea’s sovereignty over the area.